MSU's Amini Silatolu was the 40th pick in the NFL Draft

Former Midwestern State left tackle Amini Silatolu works with Cleveland Browns offensive line coach George Warhop as Carolina Panthers college scout Jerff Morrow (right) watches Thursday morning at the MSU practice field. Patrick Johnston/Times Record News

Patrick Johnston/Times Record News
Former Midwestern State offensive lineman Amini Silatolu (57) warms up in Cowboys Stadium on Sept. 17, 2011, before the Mustangs game with Texas A&M Commerce.

Amini Silatolu

Midwestern State's Amini Silatolu was drafted by the Carolina Panthers Friday night with the 40th pick in the NFL Draft.

Silatolu, a two-time Lone Star Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year and a consensus All-American, is projected to be a guard in the NFL. He played tackle for the Mustangs.

Silatolu is the first MSU player to be drafted, but he won't be the first to play in the NFL. Receiver Brian Gilmore (1996-99) played for three teams, and running back Dominic Rhodes suited up for the Colts and Raiders.